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Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire

Photo gallery for Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire

Lake view of The AhWaGa
Living room view of Lake Bellaire
Paddlesport fun included for the pleasure of guests at The AhWaGa.
View the stunning sunsets from the front porch.
Quiet moments for two

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bathroom 1

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire

The AhWaGa, built in the 1890s, is a fully renovated lakefront retreat. Wake up in a bright, cheery bedroom, make coffee in a full kitchen, and ease into your day under the covered porch, while overlooking the serenity of Lake Bellaire and listening for beckoning calls of the loons.

The cottage features the original maple hardwood floors, milled by the Thomas Forman Lumber Company of Petoskey, Michigan in the early 1890s.

Kitchen/Living Room: Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, quartz countertops, and stainless appliances, beautiful gas fireplace with TV and Blu Ray DVD player, queen-size pull out couch, and historical décor.

Master Bedroom: Queen bed, flat screen TV, windows looking over Lake Bellaire. Second Bedroom: twin trundle bed with flat screen TV. (very small room)

Bathroom: Tiled shower and floor, quartz countertop, full-size washer and dryer.

Wrap Around Covered Porch: Adds additional outdoor furnished space with eating and seating areas.

This 1890's cottage, noted as the first built on Lake Bellaire, maintains its original design and boasts updated décor that features items from The AhWaGa's founding family.
Uniquely 15 feet from the shoreline, this historical cottage invites the cool lake breeze. West-facing porch offers views of magical sunsets that paint the sky and water as a changing mural with dusk falling into quiet, star-filled nights.

Lake Bellaire is a part of the Antrim County Chain-of-Lakes waterway. Bring your watercraft and boat across Lake Bellaire to the Grass River, Clam Lake and River to the famous Dockside eatery on the shore of Torch Lake. Enjoy a variety of activities on crystal clear Lake Bellaire with provided kayaks and paddle boards. The water frontage is a firm, sandy bottom for swimming.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Our cottage is cozy and best suited for couples.
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Events

No events allowed
No parties or events allowed. No exceptions.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking is permitted on the premises/property.
Please no wet swimsuits on wood floors or furniture. Please help protect our 130 year old wood floors. No smoking/vaping in cottage nor outside.
Cottage is best suited for couples. 2nd bedroom is very small. Please inquire prior to booking if a concern. Signed rental rules agreement required.
Please, no day or overnight guests/events on site. Fireworks not permitted on site. Cottage must be left in clean condition.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 745612vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No parties or events allowed. No exceptions.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Bellaire

Located in Bellaire, this cottage is in the city centre and on the beach. Elk Rapids District Library and Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at The Chief Golf Course and Short's Brewing Company. Enjoy the area's slopes with snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the sledging.
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Map
Bellaire, MI

What's nearby

  • Lake Bellaire - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Torch Lake - 10 min drive - 15.9 km
  • Clam Lake - 10 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 40 min drive - 64.6 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 40 min drive - 58.7 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪M88 Morning Grind - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Toonies Fish & Steakhouse - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire?

As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire on 29 May 2026 start from £235, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Now Booking Summer Vacations at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire located?

Located in Bellaire, this beachfront cottage is in the city centre and within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Bellaire, The Chief Golf Course and The Legend. Short's Brewing Company is 2.5 mi (4 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage, great porch and close to the water. Had a wonderful stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherri W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage on very nice lake! Owner was very responsive! We very much enjoyed our stay and would definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Travis

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was very clean and newly updated, secluded right on the water and only 5 minutes from Bellaire. Perfect sunsets.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated. Jen was available if we needed anything. The view of the lake was beautiful. The kitchen was well supplied.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was just as described! It was a quiet and relaxing weekend on Lake Bellaire. You can tell the love they put into renovating this old cottage!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tori B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely fabulous! One of the best cabins we’ve ever stayed at. Spotless inside and out! Charming and inviting with an awesome history. So important is the comfort of the front room furniture and it was great.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Cynthia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

Extremely quiet and great location
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful experience!

This was our second stay at The Ah-Wa-Ga. We love it there! Jen is a fantastic host and the home is always clean and inviting upon arrival.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cottage

Great location! Relaxing stay on Bellaire Lake. Cottage had everything we needed. I would definitely stay here again. Good communication with our host, Jen.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Getaway

Absolutely Amazing!!!! We could not ask for more from the views of the lake, the location and amenities. This was exactly what we needed to get away.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This place is special!

The Ah Wa Ga is amazing! My wife and I enjoyed our stay and the stress-free booking process orchestrated by Jen made all the difference. The home was clean, the lake was beautiful, and we will plan on returning one day.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reid J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful cottage and location

Everything as described. Clean and comfortable. Nice quiet spot on the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Great Stay

This was our second stay at AhWaGa. Beautiful. This time we rented a pontoon boat from a local place and kept it overnight. Perfect since there is a wonderful dock at the cabin.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This place is amazing!

We have stayed here multiple times and could not ask for a better location to unwind and relax. The location is an easy drive to Charlevoix or Traverse City, and Bellaire itself has many cool spots to check out. The host takes great pride in the cleanliness of the home and it is well stocked with kitchen items for preparing your own meals.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg R.

Just perfect

We couldn’t have asked for more lovely accommodations with the absolutely most picturesque view of the lake and sunsets. The owners were so kind and thoughtful... really, just the perfect place.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome location

Everything we expected! Very close to the water and with a boat ramp. Best sunsets ever. So private and good area to walk. Everything was there that we needed and more. The owners took very good care during our long stay.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucinda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Honeymoon

The lake was beautiful and the cottage was lovely in every way. We had everything we needed to enjoy our honeymoon up north—gorgeous sunsets, cozy fireplace and a well appointed kitchen for cooking. The cottage is lovingly restored with every detail carefully thought out.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Belair

Great place right on water! Clean
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cottage stay to celebrate the last bit of Summer

We really enjoyed our stay at AhWaGa. The cottage was private, tastefully decorated, historic, charming, updated and ticked every box on our list. The porch was our favorite place to hang out and watch amazing sunsets, feel lake breezes and listen to loons calling. Jen was a great host—we wanted for nothing. We hope to return soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shawn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anniversary vacation

We honeymooned here two years ago and wanted to revisit again this year. What an amazing place! It was like our honeymoon all over again and we didn’t want to leave. This place is simply amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this with others. So beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kamelia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Superb! I needed a break from the monotony of life. This was the perfect place. It is set up beautifully, it’s very clean and tidy. The amenities were perfect. The location on Lake Bellaire was astounding. My favorite part was sitting on the wraparound porch facing the lake, watching and listening to nature and the ripples of water splashing the shoreline . I can’t say enough about this place. It was an oasis for a tired grandma. The lake was beautifully crystal clear. The leaves were falling to the ground softly. Perfection!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

AH-GA-WA Cottage

The cottage was perfect. It was a quiet beutiful weekend. It was clean and upon arrival the host left the Christmas Tree on which gave the cottage and extra zing. Morning coffee on the back porch just feet from the water. We watched the fishermen fishing.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spotless, charming gem, right on the water. The best amenities of any VRBO I've rented. Everything for the comfort and ease of guests was thought of. Owner communication was timely and thorough. The history of the cottage was very interesting. Kitchen had everything. Decor was charming andwarm. Comfortable furnishings, beds and great towels! Beautiful gas fireplace tempted us to want to stay in all day and read. Area has so much to do in all seasons. Hiking, fishing, exploring. Kayaks on site! The sunsets were over the top. We will be back. Thank you, Jen for sharing your little bit of paradise.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our True North

This was our second stay at the AhWaGa, and we hope there will be many more. The cottage and property are very well maintained and outfitted. The host is an excellent communicator who is dedicated to providing a first rate experience. Lake Bellaire is a haven for fishing and wildlife. Staying at the AhWaGa feels like stepping back in time, to what used to constitute the Michigan “up north” vacation but with all of today’s conveniences. I can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2023
Thank you for your appreciation of The AhWaGa; it was great to welcome you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Madison M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer Vaca

Had the best week at this lovely cottage for a week with our 1 and 3 year olds. The lake front is perfect for all ages as it’s shallow for quite some time. The cottage is small but has everything you need. The host thinks of everything- even a one time burner bag for the grill to avoid needing to buy charcoal. She even shipped us a watch that we forgot free of charge!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jen

Host profile image
Bellaire native, historian by trade, fan of Northern Michigan.

Why they chose this property

I saw The AhWaGa for the first time while boating on Lake Bellaire. The historic cottage, the first built on Lake Bellaire, called to me. It was in desperate need of renovation, and begged for revitalization. We are only the second owners of The AhWaGa - purchasing the cottage from the original family who built the cottage in the 1890's. The restoration of the cottage has been an incredible experience.

What makes this property unique

We fell in love with the quaintness of the cottage, from the wrap around porch, to being so close to the shoreline. The sunsets are stunning, and second to none. The AhWaGa is an authentic experience of an old Northern Michigan cottage, loved by families and friends for generations. To the north, views of unspoiled shoreline. We share the cottage with the Eagle who flies overhead from the nest at the river's mouth, and the loons who swim our shoreline.

Languages:

English
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